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Parents' Guide to

Tiny House Nation

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Tiny-home-building reality show has eco-friendly message.

TV fyi Reality TV 2014
Tiny House Nation Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 3 parent reviews

clelabeagley
clelabeagley Adult
October 5, 2022
age 2+
I really like the show I just wanted to suggest something. Volume 2 episode 4, they wanted a very big tv. Should have done a projector with white board that comes down from the ceiling. Your welcome
Candice Rueger
Candice Rueger Adult
September 6, 2020
age 8+

Growing up

I love this this show! However they don't seem to think of aging. They put laters in older peoples houses. They won't be able to climb then as they get older. Same for children. I just watched an episode with an 11 and 1 yr old with this great tree house loft to connect the rooms. However in 2 yrs the 1 girl will not be interested in climbing to her sisters room. I love tiny houses I just wish they would think long term . I want to build a tiny house and growing up is my biggest concern
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

TINY HOUSE NATION is a reality show about the inventive ways people are building and living in their mini-dream homes. Renovation experts John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin travel across the U.S. to help people looking to move their large space-reliant lives into homes with very limited square footage. From a house that can accommodate two people (and lots of birds) to converting a train car into a livable space, the duo shows how different spaces can be built to accommodate a comfortable lifestyle. At the end of each episode, viewers are given a chance to see how the tiny-house owners are adapting to their new homes.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (1 ):

The show explores the tiny house "movement," which involves a commitment to green living in small spaces with some inventiveness and a willingness to let go of most material goods. Meanwhile, the hosts show how good design, creative thinking, and, when possible, repurposing are central to making the most of every square inch of space without making a home feel constrictively small.

Tips on how to make the most of any space, including using lots of natural light, specific paint colors, and items that serve multiple purposes, are useful regardless of the size of your home. But the message this show sends about how little space and few possessions we really need to live comfortable lives is a positive one.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether they could see themselves in a tiny house. What would it look like inside? What kind of changes would you have to make to live in it comfortably? What would be some advantages of living in it? Disadvantages? Does this reality series address the pros and cons of tiny-house living?

  • Why do you think some people want to live in a house that's too big for them? Is it a status symbol as much as a shelter? Is living in a tiny house just as extreme?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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